Nail polish clean up device

ABSTRACT

A device that stores a solvent in a reservoir and has a removable tip at one end and a removable pad at another end. The device is used to modify or clean up nail polish that has been applied to the nails of the fingers or toes of a person.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/556,125 filed on Sep. 8, 2017, incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Applying nail polish to the nails of hands and feet can involvecomplicated approaches to express artistic variety and accuracy. In somesituations, errors are made that typically require the entire nail to becleaned and redone, or the nail polish may be blemished while drying.Furthermore, the application process may unintentionally cover parts ofthe fingers/toes other than desired locations of the nail.

For example, in a normal application procedure, nail polish would tendto go over the nail touching skin around nail perimeter. Sometimes, whenthe subject's nails are wet with polish and the subject is waiting forthem to dry, the subject may accidentally scratch a nail because he/sheperformed some function prematurely, such as using a remote control tochange a channel on a television, or sipping tea and rubbing the nail onthe cup handle. The scratch would then take off some of the wet nailpolish creating a mess.

A device and method for fixing any of these problems, among others, inan efficient and accurate manner would prove beneficial.

SUMMARY

Provided are a plurality of example embodiments, including, but notlimited to, a device for cleaning up and fixing application errors thatoccur during a finger/toe polishing/painting/decorating process.

The device is provided with a main body having a reservoir for holdingacetone or another solvent. One end of the device has a replaceableabsorbent tip that cleans up excessive nail polish around skin orcuticles. A flow button is provided to control a flow of acetone to achamber for wetting the brush with acetone. Another end of the device isfitted with a cleaning pad for cleaning up an entire nail or nails,which can completely take off the polish on one particular nail andallow user to then start fresh on that nail, for example. This allowsuser to fix an affected nail without disturbing the rest of thefingernails or toenails.

Also provided is device for dispensing a solvent, comprising: a mainbody having a reservoir for storing the solvent; a replaceable absorbenttip configured to be installed and removed from a front portion of themain body; a flow control structure for manually controlling a flow ofthe solvent from the reservoir to the absorbent tip; and a replaceableabsorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portionof the main body.

Further provided is device for dispensing a solvent, comprising: a mainbody having an inner chamber; a flexible body configured to fit withinthe inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body including saidsolvent stored within the flexible body; an absorbent tip provided on afront portion of the main body; a flow control structure for manuallycompressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the solvent from theflexible body to the absorbent tip.

Also provided is a device for dispensing acetone, comprising: a mainbody having an inner chamber; a flexible body configured to fit withinthe inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body including saidacetone stored within the flexible body; a replaceable absorbent tipcomprising fibers formed as a brush provided on a front portion of themain body; a flow control structure for manually compressing theflexible body to produce a flow of the acetone from the flexible body tothe absorbent tip; and a replaceable absorbent pad configured to beinstalled and removed from a back portion of the main body.

Further provided is a method of painting finger or toe nails with nailpolish using a device comprising: a main body having a reservoir forstoring a nail polish solvent; an absorbent tip configured provided at afront portion of the main body; a flow control structure for manuallycontrolling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to the absorbenttip, said method comprising the steps of:

-   -   the user moistening the absorbent tip by activating said flow        control structure; and    -   applying said absorbent tip to a region of a nail for applying        to a portion of already applied nail polish desired to be        modified by the user.

Still further provided are any of the above devices further comprising areplaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from aback portion of the main body.

Also provided are additional example embodiments, some, but not all ofwhich, are described hereinbelow in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the example embodiments described hereinwill become apparent to those skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure relates upon reading the following description, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an assembled view of a first embodiment of the device;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the device;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an exploded view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment; and

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

A device for fixing/repairing finger nail polish, among other potentialuses, is provided.

FIGS. 1-3 show various views of a first embodiment 100 of the device,with FIG. 1 showing an assembled view, FIG. 2 showing an exploded viewof the device 100 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 showing a schematic drawing ofthe view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows embodiment 100 having a main body 110 including a viewingwindow 111 which shows a level of fluid stored in a reservoir in themain body 110. A flow button 112 is provided to force a flow of thestored fluid through a valve body 145 provided at a front portion of themain body 110, with the fluid flowing to the replaceable tip 142installed on a front projection of the valve body 145. The replaceabletip 142 can be removed and replaced with another similar or differentreplaceable tip 141, as desired, in order to change the size/style ofthe tip, or to accommodate different types of fluid or different colorsof nail polish, or to replace a worn tip.

A cap 150 is provided to cover the replaceable tip 142 by snapping on astructure provided on the valve body 145. The valve body 145 controlsthe flow of the fluid to the brush tip 142 and in particular blocks theflow when the device is not being used.

An ejector 120 is installed on a corresponding projection 114 at a rearportion of the main body 110. The ejector 120 is provided with a hole toreceive a projecting tab from a replaceable cleaning pad 130 that can beinstalled on the ejector 120. The ejector 120 is configured to eject aused cleaning pad 130 from the device for replacement with a newcleaning pad 130 or an alternative component.

The device is configured such that the flow button 112, when depressedby a user, controls a flow of the fluid stored in the reservoir of thedevice by pressurizing the fluid and interacting with a valve in thevalve body 145 that allows the user to control the flow of the fluid tothe tip 142 by manually pressing and releasing the flow button 112.Generally, the fluid may be a nail polish remover, such as acetone oranother solvent, or even a colored nail police. When the flow button isdepressed, the acetone is pressurized and flows down through the valveinto a small chamber in the replaceable tip using the pressure (oralternatively or assistively using gravity), that then allows anabsorbing brush in the brush tip to soak it up to be applied to desiredarea of a finger nail or toenail, for example. Note that if a user wantsto dispense a large amount of acetone, the user can keep pressing theflow button to increase the flow.

Note that the absorbing replacable tip might be comprised of a fiberbrush, foam, cloth, or other type of absorbing material that isresistant to the fluid. In alternative embodiments, the tip may bepermanently installed on the device, rather than being replaceable.

The fluid in the reservoir may be refillable by removing the valve body145 for refill, or the fluid may be provided in a separate replaceablecartridge (such as in a manner shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4), orthe entire device may be disposable once the fluid has been fully used.

The back end of device has the cleaning pad 130 that is used forcleaning up an entire nail or a number of nails. It's designed to befitted with an absorbing cleaning pad (such as including a foam or clothmaterial or a short-haired bruss). Using similar mechanism as men'sshaving razor (where one clicks on a new razor and flicks it off whenits blunt to dispose of it), the user installs a cleaning pad, cleansthe polish off an entire nail, and presses the ejector into the mainbody 110 to eject the dirty pad for replacement.

The brush tip 242 of the device can be used to touch-up parts of afinger or toe nail. Using a replaceable tip with a fine tip, the usercan remove thin lines of nail polish from a nail, while using areplaceable tip with a wider tip the user can remove larger amounts ofnail polish. The user merely wets the tip by depressing the flow button112 until the replaceable tip is sufficiently saturated in acetone (oranother fluid), and then the user can “sculpture” a desired removal ofnail polish from any desired location on the nail, or at otherlocations.

Using the cleaning pad is accomplished by, with the front end (side withthe brush tip) aimed directly above the desired nail, pressing the‘flow’ button dispensing drops of the fluid on nail through the tip.Turning the device around with the back end having the cleaning padfacing the nail—and using the cleaning pad to rub on the nail with theacetone. Repeat until the nail is clean. Reapply polish on the cleannail. In some cases, the user may require more than one cleaning pad tocompletely clean and/or dry a nail. To dispose the cleaning pad, pressthe ejector button to release old pad and push and click on a new pad.

The sight window 211 on the side of the main body 210 of device 100shows amount of fluid (e.g., acetone) remaining in the device. Oncefluid has been consumed, the consumer disposes of device or replaces thefluid or fluid container.

The particular components are discussed in more detail below:

-   -   Cap 150: Example material: Plastic (that doesn't dissolve in        acetone); Use: To ensure that acetone does not evaporate. Also        keeps tip moist and flexible.    -   Replaceable Tip 142: Example material: Fibers (that don't        dissolve in acetone) such as that of LA Girl Pro Concealer, or        foam, cloth, or other absorbent material; Use: To clean up nail        polish around cuticles and skin for presentable manicure.    -   Control valve (located inside the valve body 145, see, e.g.,        FIG. 14):

Example material: Plastic or Silicone. Ensures fluid does not flow outor leak unless user presses flow button. Allows for seamless flow offluid from chamber to brush. Keeps fluid in chamber when not in use.

-   -   Valve body 145: Example material: Plastic; Use: Holds        replaceable tip and ‘control valve.    -   Flow Button 112: Example material: Plastic; Use: Allows user to        dispense acetone by pressing it down. When pressed it opens the        control valve that allows acetone to flow toward the front of        device (brush tip area).    -   Fill Sight Window 111: Example material: Clear plastic or glass;        Use:

This is a window on the body of the device that allows user to see howmuch acetone is left.

-   -   Main Body 110: Example material: Plastic; Use: It holds all        components of the device together, and is in a shape to be held        by the user in the user's hand. Note: Inside the main body can        be provided a flexible plastic, squeezable tube (container) that        acts as a chamber or tank (reservoir) to house the fluid (e.g.,        acetone), such as shown in FIG. 4, item 215. When the flow        button is pressed, it presses the tube, which then opens the        control valve that allows acetone to flow.    -   Ejector 120: Example material: Plastic; Uses: a) It holds the        cleaning pad while user takes off nail polish, and b) Dispenses        (ejects) used cleaning pad from body of device.    -   Clean Up Pad 130: Example material: Top part is made of thick        absorbent cotton pad, cloth, or foam. This is attached to a base        that's made of plastic; Use: This is used to clean a whole nail        with the intention of taking off entire polish.

As one example, a retail version of the device can be provided with 5cleaning pads, and two or three replaceable tips of differentconfiguraitons. Each pad is large enough to clean an entire nail.Additional pads can be sold at an additional price, or the user may needto purchase a new device instead.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment 200 of a devicehaving a main body 210, a viewing window 111, a button receptacle 213for receiving a flow button 212, valve body 245 for receiving areplaceable tip 241, 242 to be covered by a cap 250.

The main body 210 has a rear projection 214 for receiving an ejector 220configured for receiving replaceable cleaning pads 230, 230′ thereon.

A fluid container 215 is provided for installation into an interior ofthe main body 210. The fluid container 215 may be a tube made of a soft,flexible material such as a solvent resistent plastic that is depressedand pressurized by depressing the flow button 212. As an alternative,the flow button 212 may depress a long bar or other device providedalong the fluid chamber 215 to more effectively pressurize the chamber215 to cause fluid flow and utilize more of the fluid. The fluid chamber215 may be a permanent part of the device 200 or it may be replaceableor refillable.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a device 300 having a main body 310,a viewing window 311, flow button 312, valve body 345 to hold controlflap 360 that acts as a valve. Ejector 320, replaceable cleaning pad330, and replaceable tip 342 are also provided.

In this case, the control flap 360 can be comprised of a material, sucha plastic, rubber, or silicone disc that is scored to allow the flow offluid only when the fluid is pressurized. However, other types of valvedesigns could be used to control the fluid flow as desired.

Note that for any of the disclosed embodiments, the various features andcomponents may be substituted with components and features found in anyof the other embodiments, as desired.

EXAMPLE TARGET MARKETS

A few of the potential markets/users for the product are provided below:

-   -   Self-manicurists (at home users). Not everyone has the time or        money to get professional manicures.    -   Inexperienced/new nail polish consumers. Because of it's        precision, the device is useful for inexperienced or new        self-manicurists e.g. teens and pre-teens who are just getting        into nail polish.    -   Can be used in Nail Salons and by professional manicurists.    -   Travelers—easy to take with on vacation or events.

Stay at home parents especially dads who want to bond with their littleones.

-   -   Nail art design lovers.

EXAMPLE USES FOR SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF EXAMPLE DEVICES

Some of the potential uses of at least some embodiments of this deviceinclude 1) Precise cleaning device due to flexible brush tip; 2) Fastclean up job; 3) Portable—perfect for on the go lifestyles; 4) Easy touse. Minimal effort during use—a plus especially when other nails arewet; 5) Can be a nail clean-up emergency device; 6) User has control ofamount of acetone they require. User controls the flow button; and 7)Brush does not dry up if user closes the cap after use. In case it driesup because user forgot to close cap, it can be brought back to life bydipping it in a small bowl of solvent fluid or replaced.

Some examples of the device provide a hassle free clean up device thata) Cleans up cuticles without tip drying up and or breaking. Because thetip (brush) is made of fibers, it does not dry up. In case it does, itcan be brought to life by squeezing the flow button to release acetone;b) Allows user to completely take off nail polish without touchingacetone thus compromising her freshly polished fingernails; c) It isportable and can be used as an emergency clean up in cases where userdoes not have the full acetone bottle and cotton pads ready. Example:While camping, away on vacation etc

The use of nail color has increased as well as the prevalence of nailart as well as dress & nail match. These are key trends observed amongyoung consumers. The increasing party culture (wear different shades ofnail color at formal and informal events) is encouraging consumers topurchase multiple shades of nail color products. To be able to do thisoften requires fast and precise clean up.

USING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DEVICE

After normal nail polish application, there may be some lacquer thataccidentally touched the cuticle of a finger. The finger skin may alsohave some slight polish on it.

By pressing on the flow button to release some of the fluid (e.g.acetone), user then rubs the brush tip on the area to be cleaned. Thisallows user to clean nail and/or skin without disturbing wet nails onthe hand that's using device.

Accidents and errors in applying can happen, for example, even duringmanicure session. User assumes nail polish is dry and proceeds withother activities, leading to the problems.—The wet nail polish rubs offand is messy. The device helps clean up such messes.

By pressing the flow button continuously, the device dispenses drops ofacetone directly on the nail. User controls the amount of acetonerequired. Once the desired amount of acetone is dispensed by the brushend, user turns device around to use the cleaning pad. By gently rubbingthe pad on the nail, the polish is removed. More acetone can bedispensed if required.

Once the cleaning pad is dirty, user presses the ejector to release thepad.—If desired another pad may be installed and used. Similarly, thereplaceable tips may be replaced with similar or different tips fordifferent types of uses.

Alternative Use (Different Industry)

Filled with varnish or a paint remover rather than acetone, this devicecan be used by Model makers (miniature model makers for models suchairplanes, cars, boats, etc. typically using plastic and/or woodenparts). The benefit of using this device is that the brush can fit insmall places to clean up some painting or gluing mistakes. Also, thedevice can be used as a painting tool by filling it with paint.

In such use there may be no need for cleaning pads for some embodiments,while in other embodiments the cleaning pads might be used for cleanupactivities. The back end may be made to enable user to fill device withvarnish or paint remover or paint. The flow button allows user torelease the perfect amount of varnish or other paint remover or othersolvent desired to clean up the paint or glue, or it can release paintto use for fine painting of models. It can come with various shapedbrushes for application to different or tight spots and differentsurfaces.

Other types of uses may also be provided for example embodiments of thisdevice.

Many other example embodiments can be provided through variouscombinations of the above described features. Although the embodimentsdescribed hereinabove use specific examples and alternatives, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various additionalalternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elementsand/or steps described herein, without necessarily deviating from theintended scope of the application. Modifications may be necessary toadapt the embodiments to a particular situation or to particular needswithout departing from the intended scope of the application. It isintended that the application not be limited to the particular exampleimplementations and example embodiments described herein, but that theclaims be given their broadest reasonable interpretation to cover allnovel and non-obvious embodiments, literal or equivalent, disclosed ornot, covered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for dispensing a solvent, comprising: amain body having a reservoir for storing the solvent; a replaceableabsorbent tip configured to be installed and removed from a frontportion of the main body; a flow control structure for manuallycontrolling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to the absorbenttip; and a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed andremoved from a back portion of the main body.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein said solvent is selected for removing nail polish.
 3. The deviceof claim 1, wherein said absorbent tip comprises fibers configured as abrush.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said flow control structurecontrols the flow of the solvent by pressurizing the solvent within thereservoir.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said reservoir is comprisedof a flexible body provided within a chamber of the main body.
 6. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said flow control structure is configured todrip solvent from said absorbent tip by extensive action of the flowcontrol structure.
 7. A device for dispensing a solvent, comprising: amain body having an inner chamber; a flexible body configured to fitwithin the inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body includingsaid solvent stored within the flexible body; an absorbent tip providedon a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure formanually compressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the solventfrom the flexible body to the absorbent tip.
 8. The device of claim 7,wherein said solvent is selected for removing nail polish.
 9. The deviceof claim 7, wherein said solvent is acetone.
 10. The device of claim 7,wherein said absorbent tip comprises fibers configured as a brush. 11.The device of claim 7, wherein said absorbent tip is replaceable. 12.The device of claim 7, further comprising a replaceable absorbent padconfigured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the mainbody.
 13. The device of claim 14, wherein said flow control structure isconfigured to drip solvent from said absorbent tip by extensive actionof the flow control structure.
 14. A device for dispensing acetone,comprising: a main body having an inner chamber; a flexible bodyconfigured to fit within the inner chamber of the main body, saidflexible body including said acetone stored within the flexible body; areplaceable absorbent tip comprising fibers formed as a brush providedon a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure formanually compressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the acetonefrom the flexible body to the absorbent tip; and a replaceable absorbentpad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of themain body.
 15. A Method of painting nails with nail polish using thedevice of claim
 14. 16. A method of painting finger or toe nails withnail polish using a device comprising: a main body having a reservoirfor storing a nail polish solvent; an absorbent tip configured providedat a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure formanually controlling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to theabsorbent tip, said method comprising the steps of: the user moisteningthe absorbent tip by activating said flow control structure; andapplying said absorbent tip to a region of a nail for applying to aportion of already applied nail polish desired to be modified by theuser.
 17. The device of claim 16, said device further comprising areplaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from aback portion of the main body.